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How to Change Workgroup on Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Feb 13, 2026 Updated Jul 10, 2026 4 min read
How to Change Workgroup on Windows 11
How to Change Workgroup on Windows 11
⚡ Quick Answer

Navigate to System Properties via Settings System About Advanced system settings On the Computer Name tab, click Change, select Workgroup, enter your desired name, and click OK. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

What is a Workgroup?

A workgroup is a shared label that helps computers find each other on a local network to exchange files and printers. Changing this setting lets devices use a custom identifier instead of the default WORKGROUP label, organizing hardware for cleaner network sharing.

Windows computers default to the workgroup name WORKGROUP. Modifying this label groups specific devices together under a unique identifier.

Configuring a custom workgroup streamlines file and printer sharing across local devices. Connected computers locate and communicate with peers assigned to the matching group identifier much faster.

Learn more about turning file and printer sharing on or off in Windows 11.

How to Change Your Workgroup Using Windows Settings

  1. Open Settings . Click the Start menu and select Settings, or press Win+I on your keyboard.
  2. In Settings, click on System on the left side.
  3. Scroll down on the right and click About.
  4. Under About, click Advanced system settings. You might see a popup asking for permission. %📂%FLAG_ADMIN%%
System button in Windows Settings app
system button in windows settings app

Press Win+I to open Settings directly. Click System on the left menu, scroll down, and select About. From that menu, click the advanced system settings link to open properties.

Windows 11 About pane tile
windows about pane tile

Press Win+I to open Settings directly. Click System on the left menu, scroll down, and select About. From that menu, click the advanced system settings link to open properties.

Windows 11 Advanced system settings
windows about advanced system settings

Press Windows key + I to open Settings directly. Click System on the left menu, scroll down, and select About. From that menu, click the advanced system settings link to open properties.

  1. In the System Properties window, click the Computer Name tab.
  2. Click the Change button.
System Properties Computer Name tab
windows system properties computer name tab

Press Windows key + I to open Settings directly. Click System on the left menu, scroll down, and select About. From that menu, click the advanced system settings link to open properties.

  1. In the new window, choose Workgroup and enter the name you want for your workgroup.
  2. Click OK when done.
Computer Name and Domain Changes window
windows computer name and domain change window

Press Windows key + I to open Settings directly. Click System on the left menu, scroll down, and select About. From that menu, click the advanced system settings link to open properties.

📝Important
Workgroup names cannot contain spaces or specific restricted characters:

` ~ @ # $ % ^ & ( ) = + [ ] { } | ; : , ' " . < > / ?

  1. After clicking OK, restart your computer to apply the new workgroup name.
Workgroup name changed successfully
windows change workgroup name complete

Press Windows key + I to open Settings directly. Click System on the left menu, scroll down, and select About. From that menu, click the advanced system settings link to open properties.

Change Workgroup Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt offers a rapid terminal method for renaming computer network groups. Running the console with elevated permissions bypasses graphical menus entirely. Executing a single command updates the system identifier immediately.

  1. Open Command Prompt. To do this, type "cmd" in the Start menu, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. %%FLAG_ADMIN%%
  2. Type the following command, replacing YourWorkgroupName with your desired workgroup name:
💻Code
wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" call joindomainorworkgroup name="YourWorkgroupName"
💡Tip
Example to switch to a workgroup named GEEKREWIND:
💻Code
wmic computersystem where name="%computername%" call joindomainorworkgroup name="GEEKREWIND"
  1. Restart your PC to finish the change.

Change Workgroup Using Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell provides an alternative command-line route for this configuration:

  1. Open PowerShell as an administrator. %%FLAG_ADMIN%%
  2. Type the command below, replacing YourWorkgroupName with the name you want:
💻Code
Add-Computer -WorkGroupName "YourWorkgroupName"

Example to change to GEEKREWIND workgroup:

💻Code
Add-Computer -WorkGroupName "GEEKREWIND"
  1. Restart your computer to apply the change.

Summary

  • Changing your workgroup helps your Windows 11 PC share files and printers with other devices on your network.
  • You can do it easily through Settings, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.
  • Make sure your workgroup name has no spaces or special characters.
  • Don't forget to restart your computer after changing the workgroup.

Adjusting the local workgroup enables smoother hardware sharing across connected machines. Administrators can apply this modification through Settings, Command Prompt, or PowerShell while avoiding invalid punctuation. Rebooting the workstation finalizes the system transition.

How do I change the workgroup in 🪟 Windows 11?

To configure a workgroup in Windows 11: Go to Settings System About and select Rename this PC (advanced) to access Computer Name settings. Choose Workgroup and name it (e.g., “WORKGROUP”). By default, Windows uses the workgroup name “WORKGROUP” to streamline deployment.

Does 🪟 Windows 11 still use workgroups?

A workgroup in Windows 11 helps connected devices find each other on your network. This is based on file and printer sharing, which enables the PCs in the workgroup to exchange Office documents, images, music, videos and so on at file level.

What replaced HomeGroup?

Users could once share media libraries and printers using HomeGroup. Microsoft retired HomeGroup, relying instead on cloud storage and built-in sharing features.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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